WAR STORM by Victoria Aveyard (Review)

War Storm was an entertaining and action paced final of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard.
I have followed this series from when the first book Red Queen was published in 2015 so it is something special to me. Now the last book in the series is out. Here is my review of War Storm the fourth and final book in this great series.

War Storm
Victoria Aveyard
658 pages
My rating ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

It took me a while to really get into War Storm. I took me 145 pages before I felt the excitement. I was a little disappointed about this, but I must say the pace of the story increased heavily as the story unfolded. Almost too much. There happened so many really exciting things on rather “few” pages. So much that you hardly could appreciate it.

During War Storm, one character grew on me especially. I never had a thing for Evangeline until the end of King’s Cage. I hadn’t thought this would continue in War Storm but it did. She was so awesome in a rational and though but still in an emotional way. Personally, I think she was one of all characters who had the greatest character development. I especially liked how she learned to change her view of the world, or at least set it aside, for her love, Elane.

I hate to admit this but I never felt something special for Mare. Not that I didn’t like her or not rooted for her, she just wasn’t my favourite character.
A character I, however, I quite liked was Cal. Though he, in my opinion, took some wrong decisions and incomprehensible choices. But I am #TeamCal all the way!! An I was it from book one when Cal and Mare first met. But how could he choose the crown over her? Dude come one! I really admired Mare for her stubbornness and strength and that she didn’t choose Cal over her cause either.

“I am less than his crown. But he is less than my cause. Lightning has no mercy. And neither do I.”

I loved how Mare just ignored Cal through War Storm, to the best of her abilities. But when they couldn’t resist each other anymore, I was so happy :)))))

*Spoiler*
As I recall it Cal got his mothers diary after they had sieged Harbour Bay but didn’t read it. The day after (or two) Cal refused The Scarlet Guards and Montforts offer/request. Could you imagine what would have happened if Cal had read the diary? Maybe he would have accepted the offer/request and have chosen Mare over the crown. but of course, he didn’t… Idiot… 😉

Another thing I liked about War Storm was that the more or less unknown country Montfort was explored and enlighten. As well as the capacity of The Scarlet Guard was fully shown. Together these two allies were quite fierce – which I thought was really awesome.  I always had the feeling that Montfort was too good to be true but it wasn’t. it was true to its word.

As the book headed towards the end, it got packed with more and more action. I especially liked the last fight scene between Mare and Maven. I think there was something symbolic about it set in a room of silent stone. Stilet stone had a meaning to both of them and they had to fight without their abilities, just like Reds. To me, this had a significant meaning.

“History favours the underfoot and the oppressed. The years are long, but eventually, always, fortunes shift. The people rise. Such is the way of things. Either let change come willingly, help it along, or face the wrath of such force.”

Overall War Storm had the best ending I dared hope for. But it was not sugar sweet. Because no one truly wins a war, and it is never entirely over after the battle.
If I should take a look at the entire series Red Queen, the first book will always be something special. Those plot twist! I believe it is the best book in the series, but King’s Cage is also a strong competitor.

I give War Storm 4 stars! I will also give the entire series 4 stars. This series is not the greatest ever, it has its flaws but the story is still great!

Have you read War Storm or any of the other books in the series? What were your thoughts?